Layun: Top footballers in La Liga or Portugal would struggle in Championship

Watford's Miguel Layun admits he struggled in 'the amazing Championship' but is determined to prove himself at Vicarage Road

Miguel Layun doesn’t attempt to hide behind excuses when he is asked about his first five months in English football.

Layun knows he struggled in the Championship and knows he was criticised by a minority of Watford supporters.

But he is determined to do better this season and given his history, you would be foolish to bet against him.

The likeable 26-year-old arrived at Vicarage Road at the start of January to great fanfare. Big things were expected of the Mexican international who played in last summer’s World Cup.

Layun’s first experience of English football came at Huddersfield Town on a cold, wet and windy January day. He couldn’t have gained a better eye-opener into the uncompromising nature of the Championship.

The wing-back went on to make 17 appearances for the Golden Boys following his move from Mexican side Club America but many performances were ineffective.

Layun, who was usually used in a central midfield role by former Watford head coach Slavisa Jokanovic, admits he found the Championship difficult and that he hasn’t produced his best football with the Hornets.

It is a refreshing attitude. “It’s so hard, the Championship is an amazing league,” Layun explained at the start of last month.

“I can say that if a lot of top footballers in La Liga or Portugal play in the Championship they would not get the chance to be the players they are.

“It is so difficult; a different league to any of the others. But you just have to improve yourself and get used to the way they play.”

He added: “I try to do the things that I know but I can’t [in the Championship] and that is hard.

“It does not mean I don’t believe I can play here; I am just trying to play my own way.

“The most important thing is to believe in the things you can bring onto the pitch and try to be yourself.”

It is little surprise that Layun believes the Golden Boys’ promotion to the Premier League may benefit him more than most.

“In the Premier League you have more time [on the ball],” he said. “I think that that will suit me and help me maybe more than other players.”

Layun’s move to Watford was seen as a backward step by many in his native Mexico, including the country’s head coach Miguel Herrera.

After all, he left the biggest club in Mexico to come to Hertfordshire. A club where Layun went from a derided player whose family had things thrown at them at matches to a player whose penalty secured the Mexican title.

“It is not about justifying the choice I made,” Layun said. “It is about recognising a good decision. It’s not about anyone else, I am happy with the decision I made and I believe this was the best option.

“If we look around here [Watford] maybe some fans are not happy with me on the pitch but there are always going to be fans like that.

“If you think about what everyone else is thinking you miss your target.

“You have to think about what you believe in. That is it.”

While many of Layun’s Hornets teammates are reporting back for pre-season after a well-earned break, Layun will be representing his country at the Gold Cup which starts on July 7.

It will be the third summer in succession that Layun, whose wife gave birth to their son earlier this month, has represented Mexico at an international tournament.

“I can’t remember the last holiday I had,” the Watford player admits. “I think 2012 was the last holiday I took.

“In 2013 I had the Gold Cup, in 2014 the World Cup, in 2015 the Gold Cup. Sometimes it is hard but you have to find the strength to keep going.”

He added: “No [I don’t think tiredness has affected my performances]. There is no time to justify what I do wrong.

“Sometimes you can do better but I don’t believe it is because of national tournaments.”

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